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John Lawless (1773 - 1837): Politician and writer

John Lawless was born in Dublin and having been refused admission to the Bar, investigated brewing as an occupation. He became a journalist in Newry with the Ulster Recorder, in Belfast with the Ulster Register from 1817 to 1819, and with The Irishman. He was a strong supporter of Catholic Emancipation and his exemplary behaviour which helped to prevent bloodshed at a demonstration at Ballybay is said to have softened Wellington's attitude to the issue of Emancipation. His most important works are A Compendium of the History of Ireland and An Address to the Catholics of Ireland. He died in London.